2018 July to December


Sun, 1 Jul 2018

What a day to remember, that day of the Martindale Round. Listing only the fells on the route, Beda Head – Angletarn Pikes – Brock Crags – The Knott – High Raise – Steel Knotts, fails to tell of the perfection of the world in which the A group walked.  With the sun dried grass crisp beneath their unhurried (some may disagree!) feet, the fells unfolded sun sharpened and enticing (apart from Rest Dodd which no-one found enticing at all!).  Ullswater and Brothers Water glistened beneath peerless sky and cooling zephyrs softened summer’s fire.  And through it all the convivial (mostly!) murmurs of the walkers.  When days drift into winter they might think of this day, which will remain in memories forever summer.

Wed, 11 Jul 2018

The A group’s objective was Scafell via Lord’s Rake.  Leaving Wasdale Head, they climbed the track alongside Lingmell Gill to Lingmell.  After a minor retracing of the route, the group passed under Pikes Crag and Pulpit Rock to begin the initial ascent of Lord’s Rake on loose, dry, dusty scree.  When a head wall was reached the full extent of the steepness of the Rake became apparent and they scrambled up an even more steeply inclined scree slope.  As the entrance of the West Wall Traverse opened up, the route was airy in places but narrow with good hand and foot holds.  All reached the top of the gully uneventfully and with the ascent over, relief was palpable.  After visiting Scafell, the very happy mountaineers returned via the long route down and a celebration drink in the Inn at Wasdale Head.

On a warm sunny day, the B group set out from Torver towards Torver Beck.  Little Arrow Moor and the Coniston Fells soon came into view.  Pausing at the old Banishead quarry, now water filled and served by a waterfall, the ascent continued alongside the beck and then up to the bridge meeting the Walna Scar path.  Descending to the pretty hamlet at Little Arrow, the route continued over Torver Common through woods before reaching the lakeside path along Coniston Water.  A grassy path up Sunny Bank bordered by foxgloves continued over a further area of the Common.  At the quiet reservoir the path turned north to Torver.  Drinks were then enjoyed outside at the pub.

The C group made use of two cars to do a linear walk from Scarness to St Bega’s church.  The paths along Bassenthwaite Lake still had some wild flowers, but many had been scorched by the hot sun.  Lunch was taken on large rocks, where a pied wagtail was busy hunting for insects.  There were common blue damselflies, greylag geese and a pair of oyster catchers, all making it a very interesting route.

Sun, 15 Jul 2018

In Swindale, a small A group walked along the road to Swindale Head, turned on to the Old Corpse Road and then a path to Selside.  The fence line took them to Artlecrag Pike and Branstree before they descended to an unusually dry dip ahead of the walk up to Tarn Crag, Grey Crag and Harrop Pike.  After the descent to Mosedale Cottage, the path to the head of Swindale was followed with some difficulty but as the group rounded Nabs Crag, they had a splendid view of the valley head – deep blue sky, wispy clouds, drumlins and a buzzard displaying its skills for their enjoyment.  Finally, at Swindale Head Farm, before walking back to the car park, they watched the hay gathering as five tractors worked together in balletic motion.

Setting off from Askham village on an ideal morning, with blue sky and a pleasant breeze, the B group walked up the ridge to the summit of Heughscar Hill.  After dropping down to Ketley Gate, they walked through parched fields to Helton.  From there a pleasant footpath was followed to the footbridge over the River Lowther.  On went the group to the little hamlet of Whale and the Lowther Estate path which climbed gently above the river.  A detour was taken to the courtyard of Lowther Castle to partake of light refreshment and relax in good company.  The final lap of the walk descended steeply to the river, crossed Askham Bridge and followed the road into the village.

Wed, 25 Jul 2018

Setting off from Bleach Green at Ennerdale Water, the A group followed the lakeside path before crossing the bridge over Woundell Beck – no longer AW’s greasy plank!  The ridge was ascended to the Ennerdale wall where the walkers turned left to the summit of Haycock via a scramble up the rocks of Little Gowder Crag.  The wall was followed from Haycock visiting the tops of Caw Fell, Ennerdale Fell and Crag Fell.  There were far reaching views to the west coast and the Isle of Man.  Lastly was the little top of Grike from where the group made the steep descent back to the car park.

From Braithwaite, on another day of ‘the long hot summer’ of 2018, the B group’s targets were Scar Crags, Causey Pike, Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.  At Barrow Door hot bodies cooled in the welcome breeze before the climb to the summit of Scar Crags.  The exhilarating ridge walk to Causey Pike was over all too soon but time on the high ground was extended by a break for lunch.  A rapid descent to the bridleway was followed by easy climbs to the summits of Outerside, Stile End and Barrow.  The Royal Oak in Braithwaite was the final stop, where a miscellany drinks was consumed before the group parted ways.


Sun, 5 Aug 2018

The A group travelled west to Miterdale for the stunning walk above Wast Water screes. From the delightful riverside parking area below Great Bank they climbed forestry paths to emerge onto the lower slopes of Irton Fell, picking up the footpath which rises above Greathall Gill to the summit of Whin Rigg. They then skirted the edge of the crags for fantastic views down the gullies and screes, and of Yewbarrow and Kirk Fell, reaching Illgill Head in time for lunch. After correcting a few youngsters who thought they were on “Scafell” (Pike?!) the group descended to Burnmoor Tarn and the long but enjoyable descent of Miterdale back to the cars.

Mon, 6 Aug 2018

On a humid cloudy evening a small A group set off from Grasmere, heading first up to Easedale Tarn and then into the cloud to the top of Blea Rigg. They then navigated carefully downwards, finding a direct route to Codale Tarn which looked idyllic in the gloomy evening light. It was then back into the cloud to the summit of Tarn Crag, but while there the cloud cleared sufficiently to see the descent route to Far Easedale and during which the dying sun illuminated the Helm Crag ridge for a stunning finale, accompanied by two ewes fighting for territorial rights on a boulder!

Wed, 8 Aug 2018

Low cloud and drizzle greeted the A group at Over Beck at the start of their walk to Yewbarrow and Red Pike. The formidable looking ascent of Yewbarrow via Dropping Crag posed no problems and on reaching the summit cairn one group member celebrated the ascent of her final Wainwright. They descended by the “easy” route off the side towards Dore Head and on to Red Pike. Having been cocooned in low cloud so far the sun then miraculously appeared restoring summer to the fells once more as the group made their descent past Scoat Tarn and alongside Nether Beck back to the cars.

The B group set out from Orton. Many stiles and fields later they gently ascended the far end of Great Asby Scar. Following the line of the wall across the top, they struggled across a few stretches of limestone pavement. After Castle Folds Settlement the group descended to gentler grassy paths, before climbing slightly to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Monument on Beacon Hill, Orton Scar. The descent into Orton past the lime kiln and then following the meandering stream was delightful. Abundant flowers and butterflies were admired throughout the walk. The day was rounded off with drinks and delicious cakes in the local café.

From the Castlerigg Stone Circle the C group walked across to Tewet Tarn which was much recovered after the recent drought conditions. They returned to the Stone Circle area and enjoyed a coffee at the Climbing Wall café.

Sun, 12 Aug 2018

A small A group delayed its departure to allow the heavy rain to stop which it did leaving a largely dry but misty day. However the mist lifted briefly at the summit giving stunning views in all directions. Initially the route led to Skiddaw House via the Cumbria Way and from there the last 1500 feet to the summit lay across a gently rising grassy slope made more interesting by one member leaving walking poles at Skiddaw House. The summit was uncharacteristically quiet from where the group descended northward to Bakestall, down to Dash Falls, finally returning via Skiddaw House and the Cumbrian Way. Apart from a short shower later on the weather complemented a perfect day.

Wed, 22 Aug 2018

On a dismally wet morning, the intrepid B-group travelled to the hamlet of Mill Side, an outpost of Witherslack, for a walk of two sharply contrasting halves. The first involved following a pleasant woodland bridleway abounding in blackberries and overtopped by the dramatic limestone cliffs of Whitbarrow. After a steep but short climb out of the lush valley, the ramblers found themselves atop the magnificent limestone escarpment of Whitbarrow Scar, which, in clear conditions, would have regaled them with a 360-degree panorama. Traversing the long escarpment, designated a nature reserve and an SSSI, was enjoyable nevertheless, with Morecambe Bay putting in an unexpected appearance before they descended, laden with sloes, along an imaginatively zig-zagged path.

Wed, 29 Aug 2018

Far from the madding crowds, the A group parked at Longlands to do a Longlands Round. From the Cumbria Way, they picked up the main path to the summit of Longlands Fell. Then, contouring around the head of Charlton Gill, they continued to Brae Fell before turning for Little and Great Sca Fells. Knott was the next objective, with the need to sidestep bog in the watershed en route. Retracing their steps to Great Sca Fell, the group followed the ridge to Meal Fell, descended to Trusmadour then made the final ascent of the day to Great Cockup. From there, they made a direct descent to the River Ellen and, having crossed it, followed the track by Longlands Beck to the cars.


Sun, 2 Sept 2018

On the one day in September that Gatescarth Pass was open the A group nevertheless parked at Mardale Head and took the scenic walk up to Nan Bield Pass and around Small Water before finding Harter Fell in mist and drizzle. The Kentmere Horseshoe, over Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts, was followed to the Kentmere to Sadgill coach road and up Longsleddale on the old quarry road. The dramatic River Sprint valley with waterfalls, steep crags and much tree planting on either side was unfortunately shrouded in mist. Returning to Mardale Head, Gatescarth Pass saw very little traffic but, coming out of the mist, perseverance was rewarded with splendid views of the mountain sides running with streams and waterfalls, and a still rather low Haweswater.

Wed, 5 Sept 2018

The A group set off from Honister in sunshine and made their way towards Loft Beck glancing across to Buttermere and Crummock Water on their way. They descended on rocky steps into Ennerdale and crossed the River Liza before heading up the path alongside Sail Beck with Ennerdale Water stretching out beyond the forest plantations. The group then continued along the partly rocky path towards Pillar. A splinter group of three adventurous members took the route towards Pillar Rock, along Shamrock Traverse and steeply up to Pillar summit where the rest of the party were relaxing and enjoying lunch. The return route took the group past Kirk Fell and along Moses Trod.

Warm, sunny weather encapsulated the genial B group as they alighted from the bus at Skelwith Bridge. The linear route, towards Little Loughrigg followed deserted fields and Intake Wood, showcasing the clear fells in their full majesty. They climbed up Loughrigg and gazed at the unfolding vistas creating welcomed breaks from the heat of the day. After a lunch overlooking Rydal Water they alighted on quarries and then descended by a large cave with stepping stones. A natural end to a very sociable day was a visit to a cafe.

The B- group set off from Spout Force car park for a high level circuit of the valley. After a short walk on a forest track they climbed up through Aiken Plantation to reach Brown How and then Whinlatter Top. They continued along the ridge to Tarbarrel Moss, Lords Seat and Broom Fell before descending to Widow Hause. Even though the forest here had been cut down recently they had no trouble accessing the path below from where they walked back to the cars. It was a very pleasant walking day with good visibility showing Lakeland at its best.

A small C party set off from the Berrier road car park to explore The Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. The paths were much improved, with new hard core and board walks added. A wet area was full of wild flowers with Grass of Parnassus and Devil’s Bit Scabious. The walkers were pleased to see a Painted Lady butterfly on the Scabious, and a Small Heath butterfly close by. The walk climbed gently to the summit, with views of a Raven marking out his territory. After a short stop, the walkers returned by a slightly different route to the cars.

Sun, 9 Sept 2018

On a wet and windy morning, the B-group started their exploration of Yewdale Fells at Low Tilberthwaite. They ascended the zig-zaggy footpath passing underneath Goat’s Crag by a disused quarry before emerging above the depression of Yewdale Crag Moss. Just then, the heavens opened, but two spectacular rainbows straddling the entire area took their breath away. Lashed by the rain and battered by the wind, they made their way through bracken and heather along grassy tracks towards Low Wythow, High Wythow, Long Crag and Kitty Crag, where they could barely keep upright. Their relief was palpable as they descended along Hole Rake, a comfortable bridleway leading towards the spectacular Tilberthwaite Gill, before continuing their descent along the foaming Yewdale Beck.

Sun, 23 Sept 2018

The group of 5 A walkers set off uphill from Stannah to Sticks Pass in unexpected good weather. They meandered up Stybarrow Dodd, Watson’s Dodd and Great Dodd in drifting cloud and then ventured up Calfhow Pike and Clough Head where excellent views were on view as the clouds cleared. The descent led them to the old wagon way via Wanthwaite Crags, down St John’s in the Vale with glorious views of the hills either side before stopping at Low Bridge farm for tea and returning to Stannah.

On the same day the B group set off from Seathwaite on a simple route via Stockley Bridge, Grains Gill and Sprinkling Tarn to Seathwaite Fell where lunch was started in glorious sunshine but finished in a hail shower. The dampness, and now a cool wind, killed any enthusiasm to visit the “other top” that Wainwright recommends so the group returned to Sprinkling Tarn before heading towards Sty Head Tarn on the major footpath leading back to Stockley Bridge and Seathwaite.

Wed, 26 Sept 2018

A small C party set off from the RSPB centre at Campfield Marsh. On arriving at the bird hide a short stop was taken, overlooking the main wetland. Pinkfooted Geese were just starting to arrive after their long flight from Iceland. The walk continued over the boardwalk where the heather was just starting to flower. Two snipe were disturbed, flying quickly away, and many more geese were flying overhead. The walkers returned to the centre, stopping to admire a dragonfly resting beside the path.


Wed, 3 Oct 2018

Six members of the A group started their walk from Braithwaite by following a road closure diversion up the road towards Whinlatter Forest to the small car park on the left. They then followed the fairly steep path over Sleet How to Grisedale Pike 791m and onward above Hobcarton Crag to Hopegill Head 770m where the weather changed from dry to wet, windy and poor visibility. After turning down over Sand Hill to Coledale Hause, the cloud was blown away to give great views for a short time. The path was then taken towards Force Crag Mine, alongside Coledale Beck and back into Braithwaite to complete the circuit.

Sun, 7 Oct 2018

The morning was clear and dry, with increasing wind forecast, when an A group set of from Burnbanks. They initially climbed up to Bampton Fell via Drybarrow, en route to the High Street bridleway. After a brief stop below Low Cop they ventured on into the now noticeable wind, sheltering on the top of High Raise for lunch. Kidsty Pike proved to be a very blustery challenge, but all survived the experience, after which the group passed back below High Raise to Low Raise and then the long gradual descent was made to Measand Beck. Thankfully back out of the wind, the delights of the lovely gorge were enjoyed before returning to Burnbanks alongside Haweswater.

Leaving Goody Bridge on a bright and deceptively calm morning, the B Group took the gradual and scenic route to Stythwaite Steps. The chosen route climbs up Far Easedale alongside the lively waters of the gill, and eventually ascends to Moor Moss before crossing the cascades of Fern Gill. The weather very soon deteriorated and a keen wind with showers buffeted the group as they took the path from Calf Crag towards Pike of Carrs and Gibson Knott. Showing a certain amount of courage and determination the craggy tops of the ridge were soon crossed and the group fought against the wind to scramble up to the summit of Gibson Knott. The path to Gill Foot from below Helm Crag was soon in sight and despite being somewhat damp and windblown good spirits were maintained as they made their way back to the starting point at Lancrigg Hotel.

Wed, 10 Oct 2018

The B group leader writes: “One lady with a very special birthday, one lady in shorts, 15 people walking over vale and hills bathed in autumnal colours in glorious 22 degrees sunshine; truly amazing. From Little Langdale up and along the ridge to Lingmoor Fell summit, down to a rocky mound above Lingmoor Tarn for lunch surrounded by Pikes and Crinkles. Then a steep off-piste descent, a Squeeze on the Side, down to Blea Tarn and by the waterfalls of Bleamoss Beck, a bit of bog to Fell Foot and along above Little Langdale Tarn to Slater’s Bridge – all too tired for the cave – in need of cool drinks in the Three Shires.”

Parking at Isel Bridge the C party followed the River Derwent path, climbing up through trees to a spectacular viewpoint and continuing on to the main road and a track back to Isel church. A seat in the churchyard provided an ideal spot for a somewhat belated lunch before a short look around the area and return to the cars.

Wed, 17 Oct 2018

The A group parked by the telephone box in Stonethwaite and walked to the bridge over Stonethwaite Beck to Smithymire Island and over another bridge to follow the beck, then a well-trodden sheep track to the second wall and up to the stile. The climb through the heather terraces was made more interesting by the drizzle and wet rocks but Eagle Crag was reached safely. The group went on to Sergeant’s Crag, through a very wet dip to the south west end of Long Crag to find a sheep track round Low White Stones, which the leader repeatedly lost and found again, to Low White Stone and the clearer path to High Raise. After lunch the group walked towards Stake Pass. The drizzle stopped and the sun came out to reveal Langstrath in all its glorious autumn colours. The streams were also impressive. The group stopped for refreshments in the Langstrath pub.

A riot of colour greeted the B-group as they entered Grizedale Forest from the top of the sprawling Hawkshead Moor. Following a maze of undulating paths and forest roads criss-crossing the area, some of them waymarked trails, they walked past several intriguing sculptures to Grizedale Tarn, where they admired its fabulous reflection of the surrounding trees. Treading on the carpet of copper leaves, they then descended to the tranquil hamlet of Satterthwaite, nestling at the bottom of the valley. Having visited its old church, they returned to the forest, where the meandering purple trail led them to a gripping sculpture, Mea Culpa. A few more interesting objects later, they reached a comfortable bridleway, which conveyed them back to Moor Top.

The C group commenced their visit to the Caldbeck area with a walk into The Howk to inspect the restored bobbin mill and view the spectacular waterfall after recent rain, returning the same way. The second section of the walk was along the much improved forest path to Parson’s Park with glorious autumn colours. Many newly planted trees were noted at the point where they turned back. On return to the village refreshments were enjoyed in a local café.

Sun, 28 Oct 2018

The A group gathered at Greendale on a promisingly bright sunny day for a walk postponed from the previous Sunday. Despite the cold wind the group soon warmed up on the ascent of Middle Fell which provided an opportunity to say hello to a local celebrity. Following the descent there was some boggy ground to cross before reaching the steep northeast ridge of Seatallan. Surrounded by scenic splendour (even Sellafield had shown its appealing side against a very blue backdrop) the group enjoyed the long ridge of Seatallan down to Glade How and on to Buckbarrow. From here the grandeur of the Scafells and Wastwater screes was absorbed and the group made a pleasant descent to Gill Beck in the beautiful afternoon light.

Wed, 31 Oct 2018

Ten members of the A group drove to Stonethwaite where it was drizzling and all but the leader put on waterproof trousers.  There was very little water in Stanger Gill as Bessyboot was climbed before the group continued towards Rosthwaite Cam, climbed only by the ramblers’ chair, and then Combe Door.  By now the rain was heavy and the wet area close to Glaramara impassable.  In fact the leader struggled to navigate the route here, much to the group’s amusement.  Finding the climb to Glaramara covered in ice, they walked round to climb to the shelter cairn from the west and decided to abandon their plan in favour of a quick descent down Thornythwaite Fell, a paddle through Combe Gill, by now full, to return to the cars.

Defying a decidedly unappetising weather forecast, the intrepid Bs strode from Rosthwaite to Watendlath, where they enjoyed a brunch at the welcoming café.  There then followed the undulations alongside Watendlath Beck and a distinct lack of surprises on Surprise View, where the mist shrouded most of the vista.  With the rain intensifying, the group couldn’t conceal its jubilation on finding the bark house mountain hut at Ashness Bridge open.  By the blazing fire inside, they were regaled with the history of the hut, originally used for bark stripping for the local tannery.  The flagging flesh reinvigorated, the group took the pouring rain in their stride as they tackled the terrace path running underneath Falcon Crag to Great Wood before the Keswick finale.

The B- group started their walk from Wythop to Ling Fell in reasonable weather and was able to appreciate and admire the autumn colours.  Having ascended and descended Ling Fell, they continued up towards Kelswick Farm before turning north west to go under Dodd Crag heading for the summit of Sale Fell, where unfortunately the weather deteriorated becoming increasingly wet and very windy.  The decision was therefore made to curtail the walk, and the group descended making their way back to the cars.  The day ended happily in the dry/warm Pheasant Hotel.

A short walk on Sale Fell took the C party from cars parked at Brunston Bridge by Kelswick and the remains of the old chapel, continuing through Chapel Wood to a sheltered spot for lunch under Lothwaite, watching a buzzard and ravens high above.  Returning almost the same way, the autumnal picture postcard scenery over Wythop Valley was delightful.


Sun, 4 Nov 2018

From Seatoller 16 B walkers entered Borrowdale’s rainforests, Johnny’s Wood, under a golden canopy of oaks draped in moss and lichens, accompanied by occasional light showers.  Ascending to the hidden grotto of Scaleclose Coppice with its 7m waterfall in full flow and descending to New Bridge they entered the woods beneath Castle Crag, before detouring to visit Millican Dalton’s cave.  Lunch on the river bank, no sign of Ratty, then into Grange, over the bridge and into the glades and bogs of Ashness Woods and then the Bowder Stone.  The river bank being too wet, the road was taken briefly, then the path around the woods to Rosthwaite negotiating some very awkward stiles, before Johnny’s Wood again and the end.

Sun, 18 Nov 2018

What a stunning day!  Nine A group members managed to find parking at Seathwaite and set off to climb Great End by an interesting route via Lambfoot Dub, reached from the Corridor Route.  It is an idyllic spot in an amphitheatre of mountains, remote but accessible.  The group had to tear themselves away from the amazing vista to scramble steeply up the side of Long Pike to gain the Great End plateau.  From here they descended via Grains Gill and a detour down impressive moraine banks.  A truly glorious autumn day, chilly but with blue skies and fantastic visibility.  A good to be alive day!

A B party set out from Howtown where a short but steep climb took them to the delightful ridge of Steel Knotts, passing the craggy outcrop of Pikeawassa, and enjoying views of Martindale and the Ullswater fells in the sunshine.  After crossing Brownthwaite Crag they turned southeast to join the main path running along the High Street range onto the summit of Wether Hill.  Continuing northwards, at the dip towards Loadpot Hill they found a small path descending west and then north into the beautiful and unfrequented valley of Fusedale.  Now in shade beside the Fusedale Beck, they were pleased to see a large herd of red deer grazing on the still-sunlit higher slopes above them.  The group finally continued down the valley, passing Cote Farm, before arriving back at Howtown.

Wed, 21 Nov 2018

The first noticeable scattering of snow on the fells saw the A group meet at Patterdale with Place Fell the goal.  The dramatic Angle Tarn Gill steeply gained them height before going onwards to Brock Crags, by this time in a snow shower.  More snow flurries accompanied the route to Angle Tarn Pikes but the vagarious English weather produced a brief spell of sun during the descent to Boredale Hause.  After another 750 ft of climbing, lunch was enjoyed in a sheltered spot just before the group reached Place Fell summit, which was somewhat hostile in the (by now) biting wind.  The descent to Ullswater and back to Patterdale was made via The Knight.

A large B group left Elterwater to walk a figure of eight route of the Great Langdale valley.  Crossing Great Langdale Beck the group walked along the track through woods until they arrived at Baysbrown Farm.  From there they walked through the empty campsite to meet the Cumbria Way which they followed a short distance along the river.  Near Oak Howe they crossed the bridge and followed the clear track to the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel.  From there they crossed the valley and rejoined the Cumbria Way walking beneath the slopes of Lingmoor.  At Basebrown they again crossed the valley to walk through Chapel Stile and the return to Elterwater .

The C group made their way up to the Stone Circle, despite a bitter wind and icy rain, and snow settled on the surrounding mountains.  After a brief stop, the return walk was down the road through Eleventrees, and then onto the railway footpath back to Keswick.


Sun, 9 Dec 2018

The A group set off from Cassbeck Bridge, pleased to be out, and low cloud over Great Cockup did not dampen their spirits. The bridleway taking them past Brockle Crag was soon reached and they began the day’s first climb up to Great Cockup. The scene was atmospheric down to Trusmadoor and onto Meal Fell, Great Sca Fell and Knott with the cloud rising and lowering to give them views and some beautiful light. From the hause below Knott they ascended rather wet ground to the summit of Great Calva. After the descent back to the hause, now with clear sky, the very attractive gill was followed down to rejoin the bridleway, returning to Brockle Crag and finally Cassbeck Bridge.

After leaving their cars at the Legburthwaite car park the B group climbed a pleasant, although at times somewhat steep, path to the summit of High Rigg. They then descended towards St John’s in the Vale church before continuing to climb Low Rigg, returning to the church and then following the valley path parallel to, and sometimes close to, St John’s Beck. The temptation to stop at the café at Low Bridge End Farm could not be resisted and so teas, coffees and wonderful home made cakes were enjoyed before completing the walk back to the cars.

Wed, 12 Dec 2018

The A group set off on a windy morning from the Bowderstone car park heading north and skirting below Long Crag before reaching Combe Gill. From there it was a steep climb through the wood and up the stony steps made treacherous by being wet and slippery. After about 45 minutes of climbing the group emerged onto the boggy plateau of Long Moss; from there a scramble up some rocky slopes led to the top of Kings Howe. It was windy on top and so the group rapidly descended via Eelstep Brow to the road and from there a footpath led back to the car park via the Bowderstone.

Before their Christmas lunch the B group set off from Seatoller on a short walk in fine weather up to, and beyond, High Doat to meet the footpath from Honister to Castle Crag. Before meeting Tongue Gill they turned eastwards and then followed the River Derwent southwards back to Seatoller feeling that they now deserved their sit-down restaurant meal.

Sun, 16 Dec 2018

A small A group set off from Braithwaite up Grisedale Pike despite a fairly grim weather forecast. Half way up the path, at Sleet How, the group was rewarded with some atmospheric views to the south-east beyond Causey Pike where a golden glow illuminated the distant fells. There was a little ice to be avoided on the approach to the summit as the sky brightened. During the descent along the route opposite Force Crag Mine poor weather threatened, so the group abandoned plans to head up Outerside and instead returned to Braithwaite taking refuge at the Inn where Father Christmas serenaded them.

Sun, 30 Dec 2018

A misty start for 20 ‘B’ members who met at Ulcat Row. The route took them to the higher falls of Aira Force then to the village of Dockray. With views of the fells, now clear of mist, the group passed through Lucy’s Wood, and on to Dowthwaite Head. Then to High Row and down the road a short way, the group turned towards Matterdale, crossing fields where recent work had been carried out to put unsightly overhead electricity cables underground. The group then turned towards Dockray, and took the path towards Aira Force, but then turned north towards Ulcat Row, completing the 8 mile walk “Around Dockray”.